shoe leather

Beginner 🍳 Food / Culinary

Definition

Derogatory term for meat that's been cooked so far beyond well-done it could sole a boot. The culinary crime that makes chefs weep and costs restaurants Yelp stars.

Example Usage

Table 8 wants their ribeye well-done? Fine, but I'm not responsible for this shoe leather.

Origin

Common culinary insult dating back decades, referencing the tough texture of overcooked meat

Fun Fact

Some high-end restaurants will politely refuse to cook steaks beyond medium-well, saving both the meat's dignity and the chef's reputation.

Source: Professional kitchen slang

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